The Indian Defence Minister AK Antony called upon the top brass of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to ensure its timely implementation.

Addressing the Naval Commanders’ Conference here on Tuesday, he said : “the National Command Control, Communication and Intelligence Network Project is to become operational later this year. This real-time link between the Operations Rooms of the Navy and the Coast Guard will surely synergize coastal security operations.”

Regarding strengthening of Navy’s maritime support infrastructure, especially in the islands, Antony said, “the construction of additional bases and naval air stations in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands is necessary to further extend our operational reach.”

Referring to some recent incidents having a bearing on information security, the Defence Minister said the security environment prevailing in country’s neighborhood, security of national as well as physical security of our bases, dockyards, ships, submarines, aircrafts cannot be ignored at any cost.

A major highlight of the Conference was that for the first time ever, it was held by “Telepresence” between New Delhi and Naval Commands, thus doing away with physical travel of the participating Commanders and supporting staff. The Indian Navy has thus become the first Service to conduct a conference of this magnitude through “Video-Conferencing”. The site at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi was linked seamlessly with the Command Headquarters at Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam and Kochi using a secure video and data link. This enabled virtual presence of all the participants from various stations at a common forum, thus harnessing the latest technologies.

Antony complimented the Indian Navy for checking piracy in the Gulf of Aden to some extent and for ensuring that the menace does not spread towards our waters.

He also complimented the Navy for its efforts towards indigenization of defence production. He said 46 of the 48 naval platforms, currently under construction, are being built in India.

“Indigenization of equipment, especially weapons and sensors, in association with DRDO through the Buy & Make (Indian) route is an initiative that needs to be carried forward strongly and replicated in other spheres,” he said.

He, however, said that there were some operational constraints regarding conventional submarines, ship-borne helicopters and mine counter measure vessels.

The Defence Minister reiterated that funds will never be a constraint for capital acquisition and will be made available. He said funds must be utilized in the most judicious manner to achieve national goals.

Antony congratulated Lt. Cdr. Abhilash Tomy for successfully completing the non-stop solo circumnavigation on the Sailing Vessel “Mhadei”. He said “such expeditions bear testimony to the adventurous spirit of Navy personnel to face the elements of nature on high seas. Similarly, Sail Training Ship Sudarshini’s voyage to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Indo- ASEAN relations too is a creditable initiative.”

The Defence Minister said human resources were the single most crucial component for any organization and the Navy surely was not an exception. He said top priority must be accorded to provide training, improve service conditions and the habitat of Defence personnel.

Referring to some isolated incidents of inappropriate behavior by a few personnel, Antony urged the top Commanders to take sternest possible action against those who tarnish the image and prestige of the Armed Forces, whenever such incident come to their notice.

In his address, Admiral DK Joshi, Chief of Naval Staff, noted the high tempo of operations maintained by all naval units and observed that the induction of ships and submarines would be primarily indigenous in the coming years. Naval aviation is also poised for major growth.

He emphasized the importance of human resource development and information technology, in building naval capability. The Navy Chief highlighted the constant need for synergy and coordination amongst various agencies and the role of Navy in maintaining optimal maritime security.